Credit: Shutterstock/Michael Mattes/Eugene Powers
Raquel Leviss took to her Instagram page on Thursday to share a new statement about her relationship with Tom Sandoval.
After offering a lengthy public apology to Sandoval’s longtime girlfriend, Ariana Madix, and their loved ones hours prior, the Vanderpump Rules star clarified where they stand today, admitting that while she doesn’t want to put a label on anything as she learns to accept herself without a partner, her feelings for Sandoval are “sincere.”
“Besides the indefensible circumstances surrounding our relationship, my feelings for Tom have always been sincere and born out of a loving friendship,” Raquel explained on March 9. “Knowing how many people we hurt, I need to understand my choices and learn to make better ones. I need to take care of my health, work on self growth and take time to be ok with being alone.”
“I care for Tom and I don’t want to label anything or predict what lies ahead. Right now I need to heal,” she added in the post, which was promptly “liked” by Sandoval.
In addition to apologizing to Ariana on Instagram, Raquel reportedly reached out to her privately.
“Before publicly apologizing to Ariana, Raquel tried to get in touch with Ariana privately. Raquel first reached out on Friday, March 3 after the news of the affair broke,” an insider revealed to Entertainment Tonight on March 8.
“Ariana responded to Raquel but wasn’t ready to receive the apology,” the source explained. “Raquel also tried to apologize Wednesday before publicly releasing her statement, but she didn’t hear back from Ariana.”
In her statement on Wednesday, Raquel admitted there is “no excuse” for her behavior and said she must own her actions.
“I deeply regret hurting Ariana,” she stated, in part. “I am reflecting on my choices, speaking to a counselor and I am learning things about myself such as my patterns of codependency and addiction to being and feeling loved. I have sought emotional validation through intimate connections that are not healthy without regard for my own well-being, sometimes negatively affecting others and often prioritizing the intimate connection over my friendships. I am taking steps to understand my behavior and make healthier choices.”
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While Raquel may have sincere feelings for Sandoval, she’s reportedly been ghosting him in recent days.
On March 8, as Raquel surfaced for the first time post-Scandoval in the outskirts of Los Angeles on Wednesday, an insider told Page Six that Raquel has been “completely ignoring” Sandoval’s text messages and phone calls.
“Tom has been unable to track Raquel down for several days,” the insider said. “He’s been asking mutual acquaintances if they’ve heard from her at all, but has had no luck. He can’t get in touch with her.”
As for her outing on Wednesday, an eyewitness said she “looked somber” as she sported an all-black outfit, black hat, and a purse.
According to the report, Raquel, who puffed on a vape during the outing, seemed to showcase a clear black eye, which she claims was sustained during a physical altercation with Scheana Shay.
Vanderpump Rules season 10 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
